Recently the Federal Reserve announced that it’s continuing to buy mortgage backed securities and treasury bonds. This is great news as this helps keep the rising interest rates from spiking. In fact Freddie Mac reports that the day after the Feds announcement rates dropped from 4.57% to 4.5%. The question though is how long will the Fed continue to do this and how long will it continue to be effective. According to an article posted on CNN, the fear is that should the economy gain more momentum that the Fed might reduce its purchases causing rates to move higher. CNN.com went on to write “Nothaft expects rates to hit about 5% by mid 2014. That’s an increase of less than $24 a month for every $100,000 borrowed–enough to weed out borrowers who are struggling to afford homes but not enough to impact overall demand.”
So what does all this mean. In our opinion, it means that we’re headed in the right direction but it’s still looking like a long road ahead before we find ourselves in the type of market that many current homeowners wish we were in. Rates are going to rise but many experts don’t think that it will stop the housing recovery and neither do we.
The Value of Real Estate Appraisals
The Clark Team just sold 769 Silversmith Circle in Lake Mary, Florida and we wanted to share with you how this sale is an example of how important appraisals are. In this instance, we listed the property and marketed it as we always do and found a buyer very quickly. The buyer conducted inspections and then came the appraisal. The appraiser in this instance did what’s referred to as a “drive by” appraisal where they basically relied on local comparable sales and didn’t bother to enter the home to determine if there were other factors that could affect the homes value. As a result of this “drive by” approach, the appraisal came in below what the executed contract price was causing the contract to become null and void. We couldn’t arrive at viable solution so the buyers decided to walk away from the home after spending $700-$800 dollars for inspections and appraisals. Our clients were concerned but they had faith in the system and we relisted the property and found another buyer in just a couple weeks. This buyer went through the same steps but the appraiser in this instance actually took the time to enter the home and observed the added value within the home like granite counters, custom cabinetry, completely renovated bathrooms and more. As a result, the appraisal came in where we needed it to and the sale was completed. It’s concerning to see that two different appraisers within just a few short weeks or months of each other came come to very different opinions on value. The moral of the story hear is to make sure and communicate with the appraiser. In our experience, most appraisers appreciate hearing from Realtors who can provide more in depth insight into the homes value. Every deal is unique and presents its own challenges and everyone sellers, buyers, and Realtors simply need to work together to find a solution that’s a win for everyone involved.
Pat & Ryman Lehman
Pat and I were new to the Orlando area. We lived in an apartment for a period of time researching the area for a new home. We met James and Christine through a family member and immediately were impressed with the professional image both displayed. After meeting with James and Christine, they immediately presented us with a game plan to find our new home. James and Christine were very in tune with the fast changing market and looking for the best deal in our budget. We did find our prefect home. We quickly learned were James and Christine value in buying a home really paid off. James researched the entire market and pricing. He advised us in every step of presenting a contract. How to make our best offer and when to walk away from a bad deal. When our final offer was made and accepted, James and Christine went to work to make sure every step was completed correctly. When it was time to move in, my wife and myself did not have to worry about any loose ends that were not taken care of.James and Christine were also contacting us after we moved in as a follow up to make sure what we ask them to do was to our satisfaction. Pat and I do recommend James and Christine Clark for either selling or buying a home.
Pat & Ryman Lehman
Joe & Marianna Stronko
We would be very happy to comment about the wonderful experience we had when you and Christine found our new home in Victoria Gardens in DeLand,FL. You both were totally dedicated to helping us find the home which was right for us, even to the extent of interrupting your family vacation to continue the search for our new home. You continuously kept us updated on your efforts right up to being with us at the closing.We felt like we had friends helping us to find our home. We couldn’t have been more pleased with the performance of “our realtors James and Christine”.
Joe & Marianna Stronko
Sarah Ortiz
I had a property that I needed to be sold as quickly as possible. I contracted the services of James & Christine Clark. I was extremely happy and amazed to see that my property was sold immediately! Quicker than I ever expected. Needless to say I was very satisfied. James & Christine paid attention to detail, answered all my questions and provided me with an excellent service. They were both very trustworthy individuals and true professionals in every sense of the word. They are both very experienced in this field and proved it by the quick sale of my home. If you’re looking to see your property or need consultation or are just looking for honest advice, then I highly recommend James & Christine Clark.
Sarah Ortiz
Tony Carita
As a novice home-buyer with limited knowledge to the process, I was quite intimidated when I first starting searching for a new home in Seminole County. I had done extensive online research before contacting James & Christine, so I felt I was ready to find my new home quickly and easily. Boy was I wrong!!! There was so much more involved in the process than I had originally anticipated. I finally decided to contact a professional to help me along the way. When I first became a client of Clark Real Estate, the process became A LOT easier! Christine was always available to answer any of my questions (and I had a lot of questions)! When I was ready to put an offer down on a house, all I had to do was contact Christine and sit back and relax. James was extremely flexible and VERY VERY patient with me. With his extensive knowledge of Central Florida, he was able to lead me into specific areas he knew I would like best. After looking at dozens of houses I started to get frustrated and when I found a house that was just OK, I was ready to put an offer down. This was the moment I knew I had a realtor that cared about my future. The house I was “settling for” was not in good shape at all. I was at that point where I just wanted to find something I could finally call home. Too many realtors out there could have easily convinced me to go with it and buy the house. Instead James took the time to really analyze the house and weigh the pros and cons. The cons easily outweighed the pros and it was actually James that convinced me to not settle and keep looking. Instead of worrying about his commission, his only care was to get me into a house I loved. So, back to the drawing board we went and started our hunt all over. After several more weeks of extensive searching, we found the PERFECT house. James and I both knew it right when we walked in. We also knew that another buyer was interested in the house, so James & Christine put it into high gear and got the offer to the Seller within hours! As I sit here on my back porch overlooking my pool and sipping some coffee, I realize all the little things James & Christine did for me. They could have easily sold me a couple houses that did not fit me, take their commission and never talk to me again. Instead, they acted like they were my family and stood by me until I found a house that fit my perfectly.
Tony Carita
Brian & Marna Krot
In life we surround ourselves with trusted professionals, our doctors, lawyers, accountant, financial advisor, and pastor. Why wouldn’t a realtor be a part of that team? This is a question we should all ask ourselves. You wouldn’t just pick a doctor out of the phone book. You’d google them ask your friends who they go to and then make a decision right. That is exactly what you are doing if you are reading this testimonial. So let me tell you why my husband and I have chosen James and Christine to fill the spot of Relator on our team of advisors.
In late 2007 – early 2008 we like all other wanted to sell while the bubble was high. Several realtors tried to convince us it was a great market look what you could sell your house for, remember that was right before it crashed. The Clarks came in sat down with us and did a complete market analysis with us, one of the only ones who did, after answering all our questions and asking several thought provoking questions, are you sure as the market is very high right now, we listed with them. Although we end up withdrawing the house due to the arrival of our second baby, we knew we had found our team.
In 2011 we were ready again. The first phone call was to the Clarks. We called them on a Saturday and the next day, Palm Sunday, they were at our house and listing had us up on MLS. Monday afternoon the sign was in the yard. Tuesday morning we had our first showing and Tuesday night our first offer. We had purchased a house before but never sold one. The Clarks walked us through the process guiding us step by step and answering all our question. Result we were under contract by Good Friday.
Next came buying a house which we thought would be easy since it was a buyer’s market. Not so for me, as it turns out I’m a picky buyer. To make matters harder for the Clarks my priorities for a house and my husband’s were different. For over nine months they helped us search for a house never once forcing us to make a purchase. Four our bids later we found our dream house. It was Christmas night after frustration and taking Christine’s advice to look just a little higher, as an asking price is just that, we found it. I texted her that night and the next day we saw the house. They again guided us through the process of purchasing the house. All the while making sure all our “I”s were dotted and “t”s crossed giving us the confidence to make this purchase.
If you want a team that know the market, care about you and your family, aren’t it just for the sale, then you should call James & Christine Clark, “The Clark Team”, today! They are our realtors for life. I carry their business card with me everywhere. When asked if I know a good realtor the only words that come out my mouth are The Clarks!
Brian & Marna Krot
Dan & Cathy Gunter
If we ever go through the home selling and buying process again, we will undoubtedly use James and Christine again. I was thoroughly impressed with their knowledge of all the steps you go through in selling the house and the amount of effort they put in prior to us even listing. The pictures on our listing were hands down the best i had ever seen. I sincerely believe that is a large reason why we were able to see for the amount we did. They were very upfront on how the process would go and we never hit a surprise on the selling side. Even with an erroneous appraisal threatened our sale, the clark’s worked relentlessly to keep both sides engaged.
On the buying side, James and Christine’s knowledge of contract law and negiotating skills cannot be understated. I felt the entire time that our interests were being protected and that i could not lose. We looked at way more houses than we ever thought we needed to and Christine was happy to do so. We even put offers on three of them. All and all, we worked with the Clarks for about six months. Through this entire process, the Clark’s were always responsive and helpful.
We would and have recommended the Clark’s to everyone we know. If we ever move again, they will be the first call we make. They are professionals at what they do and we thank them for making a dream come true for our family.
Sincerely,
Dan & Cathy Gunter
Lake Nona
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Winter Springs
Located in Seminole County just 10 miles north of Orlando, Winter Springs is a quiet little town with lots of charm. The city is growing fast with new shopping districts, parks, and schools opening that are catching everyone’s attention. Although the city is steadily growing, its residential communities still maintain the quiet and tranquil feel the town is known for. Whether you’re looking for middle America communities or luxury homes, Winter Springs has something for everyone.
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